Voters hand Ch&#225;vez a win with rejection of term limits

Venezuelan leader says result speeds path to socialism

Venezuela's leftist allies in Latin America have followed the model. Ecuador pushed through a new constitution in September and Bolivia did so in January. Both loosened rules on presidential re-election. Nicaragua's ruling Sandinistas also plan to propose an amendment that would let Daniel Ortega run for another consecutive term.

The United States, a frequent target of Chávez's ire, was closely watching the vote in Venezuela. The Obama administration so far has toned down its approach to dealing with Venezuela, one of the largest sources of crude oil exported to the United States.

Likewise, Chávez's view of President Barack Obama seems to have evolved. Just last month, he described Obama as having the “same stench” as former President George W. Bush. But on Saturday, he said he was ready to engage in direct talks in an effort to repair relations with the United States.